Health and Environmental Investigator I / II



Health and Environmental Investigator I / II

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Various Locations throughout King County, WA

Job Type

Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Job Number

2023MF18092

Department

DPH - Public Health

Division

Environmental Health Svcs

Opening Date

03/08/2023

Closing Date

6/27/2023 1:30 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

C9C : PROTEC17-DPH, DCHS-EnvHlth Pro

Summary

NOTE: The application period has now closed. Only Priority Placement Program participant applications will be added to the candidate pool.


Public Health-Seattle & King County is hiring a Health and Environmental Investigator I / II (HEI I / II) to support individual well and public water system activities. Apply your background in science and contribute to our mission to identify and sustain environmental conditions that promote healthy people and healthy communities.

While this is primarily a technical position, the successful candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and cultural competence skills to support customers in achieving compliance with public health regulations that protect the community.

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION
Through the work of over 150 dedicated employees, the Environmental Health Services Division promotes healthy and equitable environmental conditions and prevents disease through sanitation, safe food, air, and water, and reduction of exposure to hazardous materials. In addition to permitting and inspecting public pools, spas, pet businesses, plumbing installations, on-site septic systems, and solid waste facilities, the division also works in partnership with community to address unhealthy environmental conditions and leads the department’s climate change efforts.
 
Our vision is healthy, safe, and vibrant communities that are free of health disparities based on race, gender, or economic status. The Division’s core values include equity and social justice, integrity, community service, collaboration, a supportive work culture, and learning from each other and the communities we serve.

To learn more, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/ehs.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
 
The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. 

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity. 

Job Duties

SOME OF WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Provide culturally competent education, technical assistance, and regulatory compliance advice to industries, facilities, and the public about individual wells and public water system requirements. 
  • Convey and interpret public health and environmental codes, regulations, policies, and technical regulatory information to diverse audiences. 
  • Conduct inspections to ensure compliance with current public health and environmental codes, regulations, and policies. 
  • Use databases and other electronic tools like GIS to evaluate and track water quality and water system information.
  • Use effective verbal and written communication with the public.
  • Conduct field visits and office reviews to address complaints, concerns and provide technical guidance.
  • Review permit applications for well sites. 
  • Provide education and outreach to drinking water system managers, the public, and others.
  • Participate and help plan workshops or meetings.
  • Respond to email and phone inquiries and complaints.
  • Work with the state agency, industry partners and King County programs. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of drinking water systems and well construction.
  • Prepare physical records for digital storage/archival.  

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, industry, and the general public. 
  • Ability to consistently maintain professional composure and tact, patient under pressure and deadlines.
  • Demonstrated foundational knowledge of scientific principles via course work and on the job experience.  
  • Eager to learn about or have experience in working with people from diverse backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.
  • Ability to use innovative thinking, flexibility and identify best practices to approach problems, resolve conflicts, and implement programs.
  • Ability to edit, write, and present information to a variety of audiences.
  • Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  • Skill in analyzing, compiling, recording, and assessing data.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Have earned 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of college credit in basic science coursework. Basic sciences include life sciences, natural sciences, physical sciences, or health sciences (e.g. biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, soil science, and toxicology). 
  • The Environmental Health Specialist I requires zero to two years experience.
  • The Environmental Health Specialist II requires a minimum of two years experience in an EHS I position or equivalent at time of hire and possession of a current Certificate of Registration as a Sanitarian (RS) or a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) is required within twelve months of hire. 
  • Proficiency with software programs, including Microsoft Office, (Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook), and ability to quickly master Envision database, Bluebeam Software, OnlineRME, and performance management systems.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Knowledge of the King County government, its mandates and functions, and familiarity with the regional and local policy issues and challenges that affect King County.
  • Bilingual in English plus one or more of the following languages representing large populations in King County: Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, Russian, Ukrainian, Korean, Amharic, Hindi, Punjabi, or other languages.
  • Experience with public water systems, individual wells, and permitting. 

Supplemental Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

SALARY INFORMATION (DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS)
  •  $34.97 - $44.33 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator I
  •  $41.29 - $52.34 Hourly: Health and Environmental Investigator II
WHO MAY APPLY
This position is open to all qualified applicants.
 
WORK SCHEDULE
This position typically works 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week anytime between 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Schedule requires flexibility for weekend and evening work. This position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible.

WORK LOCATION
Hybrid work schedule including telecommuting, field work and occasional work at Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue

CONTACT
If you have questions, please contact Ma-Eyongerie Frambo, Human Resources Supervisor at mframbo@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-35878 or Carina Elsenboss, EHS Assistant Division Director at carina.elsenboss@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8722.
 
 APPLICATION PROCESS
 The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
 
 1. NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line or paper application.
 2. Responses to the supplemental questions.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
  • The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring
  • Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office 365) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
  • Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
  • Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
  • The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation. Records are not automatically-disqualifying.
  • Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
  • The selected candidate is required to pass a pre-employment physical exam.
  • Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time.
  • Work is performed both indoors in an office environment and in the field in a variety of weather conditions.
  • Requires the ability to communicate with others orally, face to face and by telephone.
  • Duties require the incumbent to occasionally access or travel to a project work site by an ocean vessel (Vashon Island and other King County regulated areas).
  • Duties require carrying an employer-provided cell phone or other electronic devices.
  • The nature of the work also requires occasionally working in environments which may include exposure to toxic or hazardous gasses, chemicals, or bio-substances and wearing protective clothing or apparatus.
  • Exposure to individuals from the public who are upset, angry, agitated and sometimes hostile, requiring the use of conflict management and coping skills.
  • Frequently required to perform work in confidence and under pressure for deadlines, and to maintain professional composure and tact, patience and courtesy at all times.
  • Ability to listen and communicate effectively in stressful situations.
  • Strength enough to lift, push, or pull field equipment weighing between 20-40 pounds.
UNION AFFILIATION
This position is represented by ProTec 17.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.  Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite gyms and activity centers
  • Employee giving program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.  If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.  Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
 
NOTE:  Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
 
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01
Can you provide proof that you possess a current, valid, WA State Driver License or the ability to obtain one prior to starting work if selected for this position?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Can you provide proof that you possess, or will within 12 months of employment start date, a current, valid Registered Sanitarian (RS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certificate issued by the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians (WSBRS) or the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)?
  • Yes
  • No
03
If No, can you provide proof that you have confirmed with WSBRS or NEHA that you possess the necessary qualifications to be administered the RS exam?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Not Applicable (I possess a current, valid RS certification)
04
Do you have knowledge of federal, state, and local industry codes, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental health and protection?
  • Yes
  • No
05
If you answered "yes" to the question above, please describe your experience and education that supports this answer. Be specific and include the employer(s) and position(s) held where you gained this experience and the academic facility where you obtained your education. Your application materials must show evidence of this experience and education. If you answered no, put N/A.
06
Are you Bilingual in one of the following most populace King County non-English language groups (such as Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, Russian, Amharic)?
  • Yes
  • No
07
If you answered "yes" to the question above, please specify language and dialect if applicable. If you answered "no" put N/A.
08
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
  • Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
  • No.
09
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404